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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ30K Digital Camera (8.0MP, 3264x2448, 12x Opt, 32MB SD Memory Card - MPN: DMCFZ30K)
Description: Jitter from shaky hands is one of the main reasons why cameras produce blurry images. Lumix cameras help solve the problem of unsteady hands with advanced MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer technology. The DMC-FZ20K has a built-in gyrosensor tha.... Read More Description: Jitter from shaky hands is one of the main reasons why cameras produce blurry images. Lumix cameras help solve the problem of unsteady hands with advanced MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer technology. The DMC-FZ20K has a built-in gyrosensor that detects any hand movement and relays a signal to a tiny microcomputer inside the camera, which instantly calculates the compensation needed. A linear motor then shifts the Optical Image Stabilizer lens as necessary to guide incoming light from the image straight to the CCD. You won't even notice it working, all you'll see are the outstanding results. The manual focus ring lets you focus on whatever part of your subject you wish, and the zoom ring lets you zoom in and out easily and accurately as you compose the perfect shot. They're both fast, so you can capture moving subjects in your composition. Change the angle of the high-resolution 230,000-pixel 2.0" diagonal LCD monitor any way you like. You get the flexibility to catch a high-angle shot over a crowd, or a low-angle shot of flowers in a garden, all with a comfortable posture. You can snap off consecutive shots at 3 frames per second with full resolution. In addition, the Unlimited Consecutive Shooting function lets you continue shooting until the memory card is full. Minimize |
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| Date Reviewed: 07/11/2006 |
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Strengths: As I bought the camera only a couple of days ago, I can't really judge strenghts or weaknesses yet.
Weaknesses: It's a pity the LCD doesn't open sideways and doesn't rotate towards all sides, like Canon's LCD. I read somewhere that Canon has a patent on it, but I'm not sure if that's true.
Summary: I bought the camera because of its "completeness" and of course the Leica super zoom (although the lens is designed by Leica, it's actually not made by Leica but by a manufacturer in Japan -- I read this in another review and it seems to be true -- what doesn't mean that the lens is less staggering!).
What I wanted to say about the EVF:
Desperately searching for 2 days and nearly wanting to exchange the camera I finally discovered the reason for the blurry EVF/LCD. The quality of the EVF/LCD drastically decreases when you put the D-zoom in the menu to 4x.
I was so confused by that blurry LCD screen (having 235.000 pixels -- I asked myself where they had gone!), that I knew I was doing something wrong, but just couldn't figure out what.
I own a Canon G3 as well and the digital zoom in the menu is set to "on" and it doesn't influence the quality of the displayed image on the LCD, so I guess that's why I didn't thought it could be related to the d-zoom setting.
By coincidence I switched to automatic mode and EUREKA! the blurriness was gone and the 35mm back. Using automatic mode can sometimes hit the spot!
The d-zoom setting was one of the first things I changed on the fz30 to see, of course, the full range of the zoom and didn't bother changing it to "off".
I'm posting this message in case anyone encounters the same problem. Now that I resolved the problem it almost seems stupid not having encountered it immediately as I'm not a novice.
It would however be helpful to mention it in the user's guide. The only written thing I found is that the "image" gets "worse" the more zoom is used, what to me means: noise & blur.
We'll see if the fz30 can manage the job that's waiting for it in the Provence!
Greetings from Belgium!
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| Date Reviewed: 10/26/2005 |
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Strengths: quality of workmanship, sharp pics at all ISO settings, great lens, well thought out controls, High resolution LCD and viewfinder, well balanced. Light weight for the size, sliky smooth zoom & focus.
Weaknesses: Manual is not very intuitive
no ft/m readings on manual zoom (very minor gripe)
Summary: This may be the best camera made for the dollars. I have taken quite a few pictures including a lot of test shots just to see about this noise I have heard some reviewers talk about above ISO 200. True, all digital cameras with this size sensor will have some noise, but I did not notice that much noise at ISO 400 and none at ISO 200. I can make the camera have noise which I am almost thinking that some of these reviewers did for some reason. Any noise can usually be taken out by changing shutter speed or lower f stop settings. If there is any noise, you can shoot the pic and save it as RAW data, use Adobe Photoshop CS and it will take it completely out. I do not see this as a problem with this camera or should I say no more a problem than with any digital camera with this size sensor. I feel that some people must be extremely picky to be able to pick up the kind of noise they are talking about because I just do not see that much at all. As far as the camera goes, you will not find a finer all around camera for the point and shoot crowd to the more selective of us that want to have full control. Nice job Panasonic!
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| Date Reviewed: 11/03/2005 |
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Strengths: Ergonomics are excellent. Feels good in my hands. I think it is just the right size for a camera. Easy to use. I was taking good pictures as soon as the battery charged. The manual is easy to follow.
Weaknesses: I wish they would include a larger storage card with the camera. Strap seems kind of flimsy, don't know if I would trust it around my neck.
Summary: I have followed discussions about the noise problems on this camera, but decided to check it out at the store. I rarely print 11 by 14's so the noise did not really make a difference to me. The features on this camera are really first rate and the lens makes taking pictures a lot of fun. I would recommend this camera to those who don't want to go the DSLR route, but still want a camera that they can do a lot of things with and grow into. Easy to use but much more than just a point and shoot.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/19/2006 |
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Strengths: Full spectrum of features and customizations, eaze of access to features, quick manual zoom, image stabilization, great video capability.
Weaknesses: Some petty items. See comments.
Summary: I bought my camera based on some excellent and well detailed reviews on this site. Two of the longer ones here (that I had printed for reference) pretty much reflect my sentiments. However...
1- I don't find the strap to be a problem as mentioned in one review. In fact I like the way it hangs. The review lead me to believe it hung sideways or something. It hangs pointing forward with a slight down tilt, which I prefer anyway.
2- The front and rear thumb wheels which are used for a variety of items (including shutter and aperture while in manual modes) are a little more tactile than I like, requiring more force than the digits can easily run through without worrying about shaking the camera - especially when you want to adjust both shutter AND aperture - the wheels are on opposing force directions(front and back - top right) so it's almost like a fight. It should turn more freely and eliminate the annoyance factor with this. Panasonic needs to fix this problem.
3- The scenes are very cool and practical for the most part. I tend to have considered this a "candy ***" feature for cameras until I used it on this camera since it works really well. More importantly, rather than having to menu your way to set the scenes while people could be waiting, or the moment disappear, there are two programable settings on the mode button that allow you to set your two most likely scenes so that you just turn your mode wheel (top) to SCENE-1 or SCENE-2, and it's there ready to go. For example, I programmed SCN1 for "Portrait" which gives you that classic focussed face or subject and blurred background - I have kids and live in the country so it's a heavy use feature for me. I programmed SCN2 for hogh speed photos since I take cycling action shots or shots of my kids in hockey and soccer. I like that. I wouldn't have the patience to fish around for scenes in the midst of a moment, meaning I would likely not use the features if they weren;t instantly available. Very cool.
4- I didn't find the repetitive frame feature to perform as well as I want. Or I haven't fully figured it out yet. This is likely the most important feature for me since I take action cycling shots. I found that the 3fps is a clear MAX but that it's variable (all over the map) depending on numerous factors including light, resolution, etc... My old digital camera fired them off consecutively period, (only up to 5 though) and there was always one or two shots I could pick out of. I'm finding I get blurry shots even in multiframe H (for high speed) and it isn't going as fast as I want. NOTE - I cna't help but think it's something I'm doing wrong since the camera is so perfect in every other aspect, so don't go on my word here, unless somebody else concurs.
5- This camera is not for the point and shooter. It is more than capable of doing that, with a quick ready-to-fire time of 1 second (essentially it's instant, since by the time you turn the camera on and shoot, it's way ahead of you. There is no way I would ever be able to flick the switch and aim and press the shutter button faster than this thing is ready. Add focus and zooming to the equation, and it's even better. This camera being used mostly in "A" AUTO mode would mean you have more money than brains. It's too delicate an instument for a point-and-shoot only user. As mentioned in another review, this camera is best suited to somebody that wants to control their outcome.
6- The battery hatch. Though I don't fear the thing opening up by an accidental wipe, it is indeed a little too soft of a latch. The battery would never fall out because it's latched in with a spring-loaded clip even if the access door is open, but the "light" nature of the door, would almost certainly result in permanent damage to the hinge or door, if the weight of the camera were behind it catching on something. Panasonic needs to fix this for the next model.
7- My previous camera alowed me to look at my last image taken by simply "double clicking" a display button. This is handy since sometimes people want to see the shot you just took after the (1 or 3 second option) time display goes by. I prefer NOT to have to rotate the mode wheel to "PLAY" just to look at my last shot. I'd actually rather use the no display option (available) and only "double click" on a shot when I need to, and as long as I want to see it, until I exit quit and shoot immediately when I want. It's a matter of previous experience that I liked. The camera functions excellently as designed, but I feel this to be a void that provides a cruel contrast to what I'm accustomed to.
8- Like most digital cameras, it has the usual suspects of SEPIA, B&W, etc... Leave it for the software, or make it a "display mode only" feature to view a recorded photo in different ways rather than record it permanently in one of them.
FINAL SUMMARY. Awesome Camera!!! You will not find a better camera for the price.
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| Date Reviewed: 02/15/2006 |
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Strengths: High quality Leica lens.
Excellent image stablization.
LCD folds in for protection.
Very high resolution LCD and EVF display.
Manual zoom.
Manual focus.
Hot shoe.
Metal body.
RAW mode availabl
Weaknesses: Display gains down when using high shutter speed with flash.
Supplied 32M SD card has to be a joke, right Panasonic?
Propriatary battery.
Summary: Ok, I admit, it is NOT a dSLR. Most dSLR have a sensor that is much bigger than the one on the FZ30. Bigger sensors mean less noise. They also mean more money and smaller zooms. To get the same zoom coverage with a dSLR and additional lenses, you will be paying 4-5 times as much as the FZ-30.
Do not be scared off by complaints about noise, however. Almost all the reviews that have complaints on that issue are comparing the FZ30 to a dSLR with a much bigger sensor. While it is true that the FZ30 does have more noise that most dSLRs, it is important to realize that the noise levels are no worse than any other camera with a similar size sensor. The problem is that FZ30 is such a great camera that it keeps getting comapared to dSLRs that cost much more.
This is an excellent value and I don't think you will find a better EVF camera out there currently.
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| Date Reviewed: 10/31/2005 |
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Strengths: Great Camera! Very sophisticated with every advanced feature that you would want. But also is very simple to use in auto program mode. Rotating LCD helps protect it; it is bright & very easy to see.
Weaknesses: Cheap carry strap provided. 32MB SD card is useless. You must purchase another SD card if you plan to take more than 10 pictures at a time.
Summary: The 147 page manual is not as difficult to read as other reviewers have indicated. I haven't yet finished going through the manual to learn about all of the advanced features. But this camera seems to have several customizable features. At the same time, it is very simple to operate in the auto program mode. Just point and shoot and it produces the best pictures I have ever seen. I have not noticed the noise issue that everyone else refers to. I just have ISO set to AUTO and it takes great pictures without any noticeable noise. The 12x zoom lense is a great feature and easy to use. After doing a lot of reasearch, I found that this was the best quality, feature packed camera for the money. It is an easy to use but very sophisticated camera that will satisfy beginning photographers as well as experienced ones.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/11/2005 |
- yurkys
from FL
- Member Since:
Nov 2005
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Strengths: Manual zoom/focus rings; good ergonomics; fast start up/autofocus time; hi-res. LCD tilts & usable in low light; 12X /8MP/OIS grabs most detail at telephoto; custom autofocus; DV quality video/sound.
Weaknesses: Noise levels a bit high; no distance indicator in manual focus; proprietary batteries; some frequently used settings buried on menu; no hi-speed USB 2.0 transfer; no option for wireless remote.
Summary: If you need a camera with the best ergonomics & ease of controls, that feels like a "pro SLR", one that is fast to turn on and focus, with good control over the autofocus system, being able to capture maximum details at telephoto, and look as impressive as possible, this pretends to be the perfect one. It's also very "expandable"- the front threads built right into the non-extending lens makes the use of add-on lenses and filters very easy, without the need of a separate adapter tube. The standard hot shoe mount allows the use of more powerful flashes, and the built-in flash has manual pop-up, which is nice. It also supports an optional wired remote shutter release.
Now on the negative side: if you plan to print large format, be sure to use ISO 80 or the lowest possible ISO setting- at higher ISO sensitivities, this camera exhibits quite noticeable noise due to the high number of pixels "cramped" in the relatively small sensor. On shooting modes, it has a review button to instantly view/enlarge/delete photos, but I'm a little bit annoyed that this mode goes off after 10 seconds (if no buttons are pressed) and returns to the shooting screen. The lack of a distance indicator in manual focus mode may also be annoying if you need to set the focus at, let's say, "infinity" or any fixed distance. And although it has an option for a wired remote shutter release, there's no option for a wireless remote. It's a shame that recently most camera manufacturers rarely support a wireless remote option, which sometimes comes very useful.
A few other suggestions: when transferring pictures to computer (and this camera's pictures are big in storage terms), you'll need either a little patience or a high speed USB 2.0 card reader, bought separately, as this camera doesn't have high-speed USB 2.0 transfer mode. Batteries- they're proprietary li-ion; if you need some additional ones and don't want to spend a lot of $$ on them, there are lower priced batts available, but you need to dig into internet auction sites to find them. Lens cap- very easy to lose, it lacks a retaining cord.. either buy a cheap retaining cord, or even better, buy a cheap protective UV filter and keep it always screwed on the lens.. no lens cap to worry about, camera will always be ready to shoot.
Bottom line: with only a few small glitches that can be worked around in the most part, and big & numerous good features, the Panasonic Lumix FZ30 can be an almost perfect camera for enthusiasts and general use.
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| Date Reviewed: 09/22/2005 |
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Strengths: Solid, good feel, intuitive controls, very well thought out and constructed.
Weaknesses: Must get used to focusing methods.
Summary: This camera has the heft and feel of an SLR. I like the zoom ring on the lens. Supports 16x9 aspect which is good if you've got a widescreen TV to show pictures on. Of note is that many of the controls you use occasionally are right at your fingertips. Very bright LCD and V/F with
tons of information available. A single click gets you a
histogram. This is a photographer's camera. They'll like
the heft.
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| Date Reviewed: 10/11/2005 |
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Strengths: Beautiful design, intuitive controls, bright flip-down LCD, fast start-up, high-speed autofocus, support for RAW images, good battery life.
Weaknesses: Noisy images at higher ISO settings, no high-speed USB 2.0.
Summary: 2006-03-06 08:51:29 Having owned and loved a Panasonic FZ20, I was hesitant to upgrade to the FZ30. But once the box arrived, I knew I had made the right decision. The camera, a bit heftier than the FZ20 is both beautiful to hold and be-hold. Its striking design and elegance feels just right, a subtle but nonetheless necesssary improvement over the otherwise easy-to-hold FZ20. There are several new, noteworthy improvements over the highly-functional and popular FZ20, including improved battery life (which wasn't necessarily a problem in the FZ20), faster start-up (due to the new lens/focus arrangement), a brighter (and flip-down) LCD, full manual control, robust performance, handy focus and zoom rings on the lens and support for RAW images.
Everything about this camera speaks good design and function. It's a real bargain for the price and nearly matches the quality and functionality of much more costly high-end digital SLRs.
The only drawback? Noisy images when shooting above 100 ISO, which only will pose a problem for those shooters who wish to make large prints (11 x 14 and above).
Want a good — make that a GREAT — camera in the sub-SLR range? This is the one for you!
Added commentary: The FZ30 recently won the Digiital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA) Gold Medal.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/09/2006 |
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Strengths: 12x zoom, movie mode with sound, 8 MP image and the noise level is only bad if you are in the dark. Excelent manual/automatic controls, Leica lens & jitter control make this the best cam for the $$.
Weaknesses: It is not as good as some PROFESSIONAL SLR cameras in the dark but I would never notice this. It works great for my use indoors and out.
Summary: Having purchased a Cannon A-95 for use at work (engineering) I was elated to find this camera for not much more. This camera has all of the features any amature photographer would want and plenty they will not likely ever use. The 12x zoom is complimented by a very functional image stabilization system that has 2 settings. I have taken over 300 images in 1 week from macro-zoom to 12x birds in the trees. The images will blow you away. The Cannon A-95 is an excellent camera for the money. If you can afford a little more and do not mind a much bigger camera the I highly recommend this camera. It is rated (proportionally) higher on other sites (by professionals) than it is here. I am not sure why because I read the professional reviews here and they are mostly very positive. The noise at VERY low light levels and low ISA settings will not be noticed by most people and seems a bit like complaining about a super models ugly pinky toe. I do not beleive you can find a better camera for the price. P.s. If you get one be sure to buy an extra battery and a 1G or better memory card.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/08/2005 |
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Strengths: well thought out controls, the dual dials are very convenient, the manual mode exposure compensation is very useful, high resolution CD for manual focus and assuring good auto focus, ring zoom
Weaknesses: small storage card with kit, minor noise that can be eliminated with noise filter software
Summary: I like this camera compared to an Olympus and Sony point & shoot. It is worth the extra bulkiness and weight to have a threaded filter adapter (for a polarizer and close-up filters). For very small areas of zooming, the effective zoom is 15.1X at 5 MP and 19X for less MP. The image stabilizer option seems to work well. Closeup filters (additional) work well on this camera. The focusing indicators work well.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/07/2006 |
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Strengths: 12X zoom, perfect body, focus and zoom rings, easy to read menu, swivel LCD.
Weaknesses: non so far.
Summary: Have this camera for a month and it works great without any problem. The 12X zoom is more than any competitors in the same level cameras. Although it doesn't come with a true wideangle lens, 0.7X wideangle converter is available separately which will get you close to 24mm lens. The tele end can take picture at 420mm and if you want more, 1.7X tele converter can also take it up to 714mm. The Leica lens here is one of the best you can find too. I also like the focus and zoom rings. Unlike the zoom buttons on other camera, the rings make you feel more like a real DSLR. The menu is also easy to understand. Even come with on board descriptions for each scene modes. The swivel LCD make it easy to take picture from different angles although it can be improved by making the LCD rotated all the way like Canon Powershot Pro1 or Konica Minolta A200. But still, it's better than the flip LCD on Fuji S9000.
About the noise that most review talked about, I printed so many 8*10" pictures (most of them shot under low light condition) and still couldn't see it. The pictures are very clear and impressive. I've never tried to make 13*19" print yet so may be there's some noise at that size but how many time people would print a picture of that size anyway.
For the price, this is probably the most perfect camera that comes with a lot of zoom power without a huge telephoto lens. Giving you a lot of control and very good image stabilization. For those who doesn't want to spend more on a DSLR and still doesn't get this much zoom, this is a perfect camera for you.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/15/2005 |
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Strengths: Zoom - Ease of use
Weaknesses: Some noise when in most zoom
Summary: 2005-11-19 22:10:12 This camera is for those of us who want the versitality of a SLR with five very expensive extra lens, but can't afford the several thousands of dollars cost. Can be used in Aperture or Shutter Priority; Manual -if you're really nitpicky, or want to impress onlookers. Several very useful scene modes, particularly night portrait and night scenery modes. I use the picture adjustments: Usually setting low saturation to compensate for the "technicolor" effect of digital cameras, and often use the sharpness control. Noise reduction is better done with your Paint Shop, Photo Shop, or whatever. Use of the camera setting for this can reduce resolution. In addition to selection of pixel settings, you can shoot in both TIF and RAW. In each, a picture is also created in a JPEF file. For either think in terms of GB(s) for memory cards. Summing up: Buy this camera.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/30/2006 |
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Strengths: Super lens, big 12X stabilized zoom, many set-up photo aids/flexibility, rapid turn-on, and focus for getting that fleeting shot.
Weaknesses: Camera failed. Repair took 8 weeks. Checked it out & the thrill is back - hopefully for a long time.
Summary: 2006-07-02 19:13:58 This is my third digital camera. I started with a Minolta Dimage 5, than an Olympus 750UZ, and now the FZ30K. I thought I would never find a better camera than the Olympus for my purposes. It had served me extremely well, but got hooked on the stabilized zoom and 8 megapixel of the Lumix. I am a casual photographer, but have taken thousands of photos after giving up on my old Pentax K1000 SLR with 2 zoom lenses. Perhaps I never got used to the small size of most digital cameras, but the DMC-FZ30K is one fine hunk of equipment. The ease of use, flexibility (I can even set it for 16.9 wide TV or 35mm size), and the fine results have won me over big time.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/19/2005 |
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Strengths: Good feel, not to light, lots of menu options, great lens,
Weaknesses: Needs, easier to read manual, had to buy memory card,the card supplied is to small.
Summary: Bought the camera for our cruise to Hawaii, with 3 days to practice. All in all it was a good choice, light and compact, to go in and out of the boat tender, with the 12X zoom, and macro feature, no need to carry extra lenses. I used mostly 100ISO and with the Image Stabilization even at slow speed the pictures where sharp. Full manual control and the portrait mode, has a feature called, soft skin mode to give a smooth appearance of the face, what will they think of next.
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